Nursing unit



.Feb. 1, 19 49. M, ALLEN ETAL 2,460,329

NURSING UNIT Filed March 25, 1946 3M Adda M. Allen T 2? i W 4 Margar'efL. Van'Eve ra Wow-Mg Patented Feb. 1, 1949 i] i'EE NURSING UNIT corporation of Delaware Application March 25, 1946, Serial No.-.656',858

11 Claims. 1

This invention; relates. to improvements in nursingrunitszandmore particularly to-a disposable flexible nursing unit-for feeding liquids to infants;

It has been-the practice for many years to feed babies from. glass-bottles provided with rubber nipples designed tcrfit. the type of bottle used. Flexible bottles;provided with rigid holders and nipple connecting rings .or deviceshave also been suggested.- Such bottles. and nipples are generally. used repeatedly and are. required to be sterilized betweenfeedings, usually by boiling all the various parts thereof in water. It is sometimes i difficult to. obtain. complete sterilization of such devices, and'theuseof. brushes for cleaning used. bottles and nipples. is. often. inefiective as wellas time consuming. Likewise, glass and other. bottles, nipple holders, and. the. nipples. them selves maybe dilficult to handle. inboilingwater. They generally: must... be. assembled. for. use. by handand hence they oitenbecome contaminated. Numerous attempts have. beenlmade .to. avoid the. disadvantages noted. above but such. attempts have not been completely. successful since. they have usually involved the. use. of. morecompli.

cated and. more expensive. nursing. units.

It. isv an important object of. this inventicnto provide a simple sterile nursing. unit. to beused.

for one feedingv only and intendedto. be thensdiscarded.

It is a further object of. this inventionltoprovide an improved. nursing. unit. which. does not require rigidor semierigid holders. or frames, and

which. provides an improved nipple construction.

integral with the milk. or. formula container.

Itis. another object of. this invention. to provide a disposable nursing unit which ma be packed flat. nd sold insterilepackages.

It is another object of this inventiontoprovide. a: disposable. sterile nursing. unit. which requires noboiling, brushing. scrubbing or other sterilizing .procedurebefore it is .used.

It is still. another object of-.this.invention.to

provide. a disposable nursingunitwhich-may be easily filled with the desired amount of milkor formula andlwhich. may. then. be readily sealed. and stored, if necessary;.until'feedingtime.

It is. a still further object of. this invention to provide. a. completely flexible nursing unit which collapses as feeding progresses andhence avoids entry. of. air. into the. container thereby providing. a feeding. device which reduces or. eliminates aircolic- It islikewise an.object. of. this invention ,to :pro-

vide a flexible disposable. nursing. unit which 2. avoids theformation. of partial vacuum in the container.

Other objects and advantagesof our invention willbe readily apparent from the following description of thev embodiments of this invention illustrated in. the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is aplarrview of. a. disposable nursing. unit empty and-flat. ast'aken, for. example, from a sterile supply pack-age.

Figure 2 is anelevation view. ofthe filling end of a nursing unit, such as shown in Figural, with the filling opening.closedbyiolding. and clampedv by one form of simple clamping device.

Figure 3 is an enlargedsectionview taken onv line 3T3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a plan view -of. a modified form of. disposable nursing unit.

Figure. dis a plan view of afurther. modified form of disposable nursingv unit having an-elonsated filling tube adapted tobe closedleither by folding or tying.

Referring vto the construction illustrated inFigure 1; the nursing unit comprises acontainer Ill having unsealed open edges ll, closed edges l2 and I3, andhaving a closed wavy edge including a curved nipple portion |4.'between curved.shoul.- der portions 85. The container I0 is preferably made from a scalable film like sheetv material, transparent or semi-transparent, and impervious to milk, formula, and other'liquid feeding compositions. The container ID may be made from any suitable non-toxic film-like sheet material, for example, a rubber" hydrochloride such as Pliofilm, a polyvinyl'chloride elastomer such as Koroseal, or other: similar or suitable non toxic materials. It is to be understood that thisinvenon the. other and the sealing extend inward a short distance from the edges as. shown, or one edge may be fo1dedovertheother edge and be lapsealed. together; The nipple. portion may be formed by lap sealingif: desired. Container l8;

may like-wisebe formed from-tubular: material, folded fiat to form edges l 2-.and l 3, and then'suitably sealed along; the curved edges l4-I5; A measuring scale I6:may be: printed onthe exterior surface of the container [0. One-:or more open:-

ings or perforations l9 may be punched in the nipple I4 during the manufacture of the container l0.

When it is desired to use the nursing unit illustrated in Figure 1, the container l may be filled with the desired amount of feeding formula or milk through the open end II. The end H is then folded over lengthwise one or more times, as shown by the numeral I! in Figure 2, and a suitable clamp I8 is applied over the fold i I. The clamp I8 may be of U-shape channel cross-section, as shown in Figure 3, and may be formed from metal, plastic or other semi-resilient materials. Many other suitable forms of well known clamping devices may be substituted for the particular clamp illustrated. If desired, the open end of the container may be closed by heat sealing. The contents of the container I 0 may be heated to the desired feeding temperature by immersing the unit in warm or boiling water for a short time, or by the use of a dry heating device, or by other methods.

The wavy edge i l-Hi of the container I0 is adapted to form a rounded nipple I l between curved shoulders l when milk or formula is placed in the container. When it is desired to begin nursing, one or more openings or perforation-s I'S, if not prepunched, are then punched adjacent the tip portion of the nipple M by a sterile needle or the like. the container may be held nipple upwards and slightly squeezed to force any air within the container out through the perforation l 9 just before the nipple portion I 4 is placed in the infants mouth. Further slight pressure on the sides of container Ill will then start the fiow of milk or formula freely and will encourage the infant to continue the fiow by sucking. The nipple i4 is intended to simulate a mother's nipple in shape and size, and the flexible nature and texture of the material from which the nursing unit is made permits the infant to suck into his mouth the exact length of nipple it desires. The curved shoulder portions I 5 fit closely about the infant's lips and cheeks and create a touch sensation similar to that present when breast feeding is used. When the infant releases his lip hold, the nipple M resumes its normal shape and size. The fact that there is no air within the flexible container I0 prevents the creation of partial vacuum within the container. The shape of the shoulder portions l5 lessens or avoids air sucking since the houlders fit closely around the infant's mouth and cheeks. The flexible nature of the container it] permits slight pressures to be applied thereto for forcing milk or formula out through the perforation l9 to encourage a slowfeeding infant to suck until a full feeding is completed. In the case of reluctant or weak feeding infants, our nursing unit may with obvious advantages replace the conventional Breck feeder. When the feeding operation is finished, the nursing unit is intended to be discarded, after the removal of whatever clamping device may have been used to seal the filling opening.

In the modified nursing unit illustrated in Figure 4, the container is similar to the container ID of the Figure 1 construction, except that it does not have the specially shaped shoulder and nipple portions of the former device. The container 20 is shown formed from tubular material collapsed fiat for packing and shipment, and having an open filling end 2| and an opposite end 22 closed by heat sealing or cementing.

Before the nursing begins,

A scale 23 may be printed on the exterior surface of the container 20 for convenience. One or more openings or perforations 24 may be punched in the corner of the container 20 during manufacture or when the unit is ready for use. Instead of providing a filling opening extending completely across the end 2|, the filling opening may be formed by leaving only the edges of the corner portion unsealed and open at 25 and 26, so that after the container is filled with milk or formula, the opening 25--26 may be closed by folding over the corner on the dotted line 21. The container may be sealed by applying a clamp or clip to secure the fold, or by heat sealing the open edges together. The Figure 4 nursing unit is intended to be used in a manner similar to that described in connection with the unit of Figures 1-3. The container 20 is filled with the desired amount of milk or formula through the open end 2|, which latter is then closed and sealed. One or more perforations 24 may be prepunched, or punched after filling, in one of the corners adjacent the sealed end 22 of the container, and the container is held perforated corner upwards while any air within the container is expelled by slight pressure exerted on the sides of container 20. The perforated corner then is placed in the infants mouth as a nipple and the feeding operation is carried out as explained hereinbefore. The flexibility and texture of the container material serves to permit the perforated corner to serve as an effective nipple.

The modified nursing unit illustrated in Figure 5 includes a container having a short nipple portion 3| between shoulder portions 32, similar to that shown in Figure 1, except that the nipple 3f is adjacent to one corner of the container 30 instead of being formed on an end edge thereof. The container 30 may be provided with a tubular tail portion 33 being open at the end 34 to permit placing milk or formula within the container. The purpose of the tail portion 33 is to provide for closing the filling opening by tying a simple knot in the tail member, or by folding over the tail upon itself one or more times and then securing the fold by a suitable clamp, or by heat sealing. Various other suitable means for closing and sealing the tail portion will be readily apparent. As illustrated, the container 30 may be formed from one piece of film-like sheet material folded along edge 35 and heat sealed or cemented along the meeting edges 36, 3|, 32, 31, 38, and 39. The container 30 is used as a nursing unit in a manner similar to that described above, one or more perforations being punched in the nipple portion 3|, and milk or formula being placed in the container through the filling opening 34 of the tail portion 33.

It will be apparent from the above description, that our invention provides an easily manufactured economical nursing unit construction having many advantages in addition to those stated. While the units illustrated are somewhat rectangular in shape, it will be obvious that other shapes, such as triangular, tapered, or curved, may be used. The complete elimination of bottle holders, separate nipples and nipple holders serves to provide a low cost unit which may be easily disposed of after one feeding. The flexibility and shape of the units promotes simulation of breast feeding and reduces air sucking and air-colic. It is to be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative, as this invention includes all modifications and embodiments coming within: the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A disposable nursing unit for feeding liquids to infants, said unit comprising a completely flexible container of sheet material, said container; being flat before said liquids are? placed therein, one edge of said container being open, the'oppos-ite edge of said container beingwfa'wavy contounforming a projecting: nipple portion disposed: between outwardly protruding curved shoulder portions, the shape of said nipple and shoulder portions being such as. to simulate a mothers nipple and breast during feeding.

2. A disposable nursing unit for feeding liquids to infants, said unit comprising a completely flexible container of sheetmaterial,said container being flat and of substantially rectangular form before said liquids are placed therein, one end of said container being open, one corner at the opposite end of said container being of rounded contour forming a nipple portion disposed between curved shoulder portions.

3. A disposable nursing unit for feeding liquids to infants, said unit comprisin a completely flexible container of sheetmaterial,said container being flat before said liquids are placed therein, one end of said container having a projecting tail portion narrower in width than the width of said container and forming a tubular filling opening, said opening being closable by the formation of a knot in said tail portion, said material at the opposite end of said container being formed to provide a hollow protruding portion in the form and of the size of a nursing nipple.

4. A disposable nursing unit comprising a container formed of flexible film-like sheet material, said container being of tubular form, the material thereof being of uniform thickness throughout whereby it may be folded into flat condition alon opposite longitudinal side edges prior to use, said container being closed along one of its end edges, the material of said container being formed adjacent said one of its end edges with a hollow protruding portion in the form and of the size of a nursing nipple, said container being constructed at its end opposite said nipple portion to be opened for filling the container and to be closed to confine the feeding liquid therein.

5. A disposable nursing unit comprising a corn tainer formed of flexible film-like sheet material, said container being of tubular form, the material thereof being of uniform thickness throughout wher by it may be folded into flat condition along opposite longitudinal side edges prior to use, said container being closed along one of its end edges, the material of said container at said one end thereof being formed to provide a hollow protruding portion in the form and of the size of a nipple, with protruding hollow shoulders spaced from and on opposite sides of said nipple portion to engage the checks of an infant while nursing, said container being constructed at its end opposite said nipple portion to be opened for filling the container and to be closed to confine the feeding liquid therein.

6. A disposable nursing unit comprising a container formed of flexible film-like sheet material, said container being of tubular form, the material thereof being of uniform thickness throughout whereby it may be folded into flat condition along opposite longitudinal side edges prior to use, said container being closed along one of its end edges, the material of said container at said one end thereof being formed to provide a hollow protruding portion fir-the form and of' th'e-size of a nipple, with depressions in the edge offt'he material at said end: on opposite sides of said nipple portion to receive the infants lips while nursing, said container being. constructed at its end opposite said nipplezportion to be i opened for filling the container'and to be closed to confine thefeeding liquidtherein. V I

'7. A disposable nursing unit comprising a con.- ta'iiier formed of flexible film-like sheet material of tubular. shape, said container. being formed" to be folded into flat condition along opposite side and end edges'prior to use, said container being closed along one of its end edgesand the material at said end being formed to provide a hollow protruding portion in the form and of the size of a nipple and with depressions in the edge of the material on opposite sides of said nipple portion to receive the infants lips while nursing, the material at said end being formed to provide protruding hollow shoulders outwardly of said depressions to engage the cheeks of the infant while nursing, said container being constructed to be opened adjacent its opposite end for filling the container and to be closed to confine the feeding liquid therein.

8. A disposable nursing unit comprising a tubular container formed of flexible film-like sheet material of substantially rectangular contour, said container being formed for folding into flat condition along its opposite side and end edges prior to use, said container being closed along one of its end edges and having a corner adjacent said edge relieved to provide a hollow protruding portion in the form and of the size of a nursing nipple disposed between adjacent side and end edges of the container, said container being constructed to be opened adjacent its opposite corner for filling the container and to be closed to confine the feeding liquid therein,

9. A disposable nursing unit comprising a container formed of flexible film-like sheet material in tubular form, the material being of uniform thickness throughout whereby it may be folded into flat condition along opposite side and end edges prior to use, said container being closed along one of its end edges and the material at said one end bein formed with inward depressions on opposite sides of a hollow outwardly tapering portion of shape and of size to form a nipple, said depressions permitting the infant to grasp and distend said nipple portion while nursing, said container being constructed to be opened adjacent its opposite end for filling the container and to be closed to confine the feeding liquid therein.

10. A disposable nursing unit comprising a container formed of flexible film-like sheet material in tubular shape, said container being formed to be folded into fiat condition along opposite side and end edges prior to use, said container being closed along one of its end edges and the material at said one end being formed with a hollow protruding portion of shape and of size to form a nipple and with a hollow outwardly protruding abutment portion spaced from said nipple portion, said nipple and abutment portions being adapted to be expanded by the liquid in the container when pressure is manually applied thereto, said abutment portions being positioned to en-- gage the cheek of the infant when said nipple portion is in nursing position in the infants mouth, said container being constructed to be opened adjacent its opposite end for filling the 7 container and to be closed to confine the feeding liquid therein.

11. A disposable nursing unit for feeding liquids to infants comprising a completely flexible container of film-like sheet material which is of uniform thickness throughout, said container being substantially flat throughout before the liquid is placed therein, said container'having a nipple portion formed in the material adjacent one edge thereof and being open at its edge substantially opposite said nipple portion for filling the container.

ADDA M. ALLEN. MARGARET L. VAN EVERA.

8 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 793,453 Lustig June 27, 1905 1,344,760 Goddard June 29, 1920 1,377,113 Boyle May 3, 1921 1,481,339 Barron Jan, 22, 1924 1,623,107 Goodykoontz Apr. 5, 1927 2,129,839 Henderson Sept. 13, 1938 2,328,354 Montano Aug. 31, 1943 

